Putting My Foot Down

Paige

I stared back at Tom, who looked at me like I’d just grown a second head. Like I was crazy, just for wanting to help, wanting to do the thing I said I was driving toward all along.

Somewhere in the back of my mind, a voice reminded me that I was crazy.

“This is going to be extremely dangerous,” Tom said slowly. “I double-checked with all my guys, mafia lifers, that they were actually willing to take on something with this high of a chance of going wrong.”

I crossed my arms. “Consider this your double-check. I’m in.”

He cupped my cheek, and I resisted the urge to lean in to his touch. “These women are going to be moments out of captivity. You did fantastic with Beth, but are you sure you’re ready for that?”

I pulled away from him. “I’m not some wilting fucking flower. I put you and Steve on your respective asses.”

That same voice reminded me I’d almost gone catatonic when McKenna had talked about her experiences in captivity, that I’d almost broken down just making fake women to